Giving back . . . NUPW teams up with lions club to lend a helping hand

The National Union of Public Workers took off its bargaining hat for a little while today and teamed up with the Lions Club of St Michael to spread some goodwill.

And the happy recipient was the Barbados HIV/AIDS food bank.

NUPW President Akanni McDowall told the presentation ceremony at the food bank’s Jemmotts Lane, St Michael office that the union is determined to contribute to communities.

“Now the union itself has to go beyond collective bargaining. We normally are seen for grievance handling but these are some of the activities that we also involve ourselves in and we do this because we have not only a responsibility to our members but also to the community.”

He praised the efforts of NUPW staffers, particularly John Watts, Joan Headley, Avril Reifer and Wayne Jackman for being involved in the venture.

The generous donation included protein shakes, pasta, rice, canned foods, toiletries and other items.

Manager of the HIV/AIDS Food Bank Stacia Whittaker praised the NUPW and the Lions Club for partnering with the food bank yet again.

She added that the bank is always in need of donations. “We see clients daily, our most vulnerable clients who are living with HIV and therefore we expect to [give] them a service of nutrition support which includes providing them with nutritional advice, counselling and food hampers for those who are having difficulty meeting their basic needs.”

She stressed that all donations are welcomed and especially encouraged Barbadians to give ground provisions, fruits, eggs and other items so clients can benefit from a variety of wholesome foods. (SD)